Stormont's health minister Robin Swann criticised the airline amid evidence of an almost full cabin with no apparent social distancing.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland's (HSENI) chief executive Robert Kidd said: "We have been in touch with all three airports asking them to confirm what social distancing measures are in place."

The HSENI is responsible for enforcing and informing workplace safety.

That includes at Belfast City, Belfast International and City of Derry airports but does not extend to on board the aircraft themselves.

Mr Kidd said the City Airport was the only one in Northern Ireland carrying passengers during the pandemic.

Today he told Stormont economy committee members: "I am assured that they have improved social distancing measures and additional staff to help remind passengers as they travel through the airport.

"One of the challenges around an aircraft is the very small and confined space and it will add to the timing of loading passengers on to adhere to social distancing.

"That is one of the real challenges going forward."

The Civil Aviation Authority is responsible for matters involving aircraft.

Mr Kidd said Aer Lingus had taken action.

He added: "My understanding is that Aer Lingus have now recognised that and took a decision to run two flights rather than one busier flight."